Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales reassured members of the Mexican community that the Police Department will not target the undocumented immigrants among them.

"I promised to bring back the public trust," he said at a news conference Monday night before addressing about two dozen people during a discussion with Mexican Consul Julian Adem and Fire and Police Commissioner Marisabel Cabrera. "My job is to bring (back) trust from the community and work with them; my job is not to go out and enforce those types of laws."

Morales said he organized the meeting to reduce fear among the Mexican community that the department would engage in immigration enforcement.

Adem said his role was to support the Mexican population in Milwaukee and ensure its members have access to the consulate's resources, while Cabrera said she wants to make sure the community is aware of MPD policy.

"The lack of people who showed up may be because of the fear that we have ulterior intent," Morales said. He said that's not the case.

By the time they all settled in their chairs to converse in Spanish, the large hall at Mexican Fiesta headquarters contained about two dozen community members and leaders, most of whom were Spanish-speakers.

Community members asked about the availability of driver's licenses, which has consistently been an issue in the undocumented community. State Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa has attempted to advance a bill addressing the issue through the Legislature several times without success.

One woman said she attempted to provide the name of her domestic violence abuser in case she was ever seriously injured and the officer refused to take her name or information.

Morales said that officers won't report victims of domestic violence who are undocumented and explained that residents who feel mistreated by an officer can file complaints with law enforcement.

Most of the conversation focused on issues related to immigration enforcement, which is officially known as SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) 130.

The policy specifically states that immigration enforcement is solely federal jurisdiction.

However, it also states, "This prohibition does not preclude the department from cooperating with federal immigration officials when requested, or from notifying those officials in serious situations where a potential threat to the public is perceived."

Some instances where they might work together? During homicides, armed robberies or high-level drug offenses, Morales said.

"We are not a sanctuary city — we're here to enforce the laws," Morales said.

But, he added, witnesses and victims of crimes should not fear Milwaukee police.

This is not the first town hall Morales has held; in September, he held another at the Washington Park Senior Center.

Morales said these events are designed to build trust between police and the community.